NEW DELHI – The Delhi Police Crime Branch has dismantled a massive international cybercrime syndicate responsible for over 2,500 fraud cases totaling approximately ₹300 crore. The operation led to the arrest of 11 individuals, including the alleged mastermind, following an investigation that revealed deep ties to fraud hubs in Cambodia.
The Mastermind Captured
The key accused, Karan Kajaria, was intercepted at Kolkata airport on April 3, 2026, after a Look Out Circular (LOC) was issued against him.
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The Role: Kajaria acted as the critical link between Indian operatives and foreign handlers.
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The Method: He facilitated the movement of stolen funds through cryptocurrency and managed a vast network of “mule” bank accounts.
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The Escape: He had been traveling frequently between India and abroad to strengthen ties with international networks and evade local authorities.
Modus Operandi: The “Fake Trading” Trap
The investigation began after a Delhi resident, Sultan, reported a loss of ₹31.45 lakh. The syndicate used a sophisticated, multi-layered approach to trap victims:
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Lure: Victims were invited to join messaging groups and download fake trading applications promising high returns.
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Infection: Malicious apps captured sensitive banking data and intercepted OTPs.
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Laundering: Money was routed through 100+ fictitious companies and 260+ bank accounts to hide the paper trail.
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Exit: When victims tried to withdraw “profits,” the apps would freeze and the scammers would vanish.
Investigation Highlights
The Crime Branch’s crackdown revealed the sheer scale of the syndicate’s infrastructure:
| Asset Type | Quantity Recovered |
| Mobile Phones | 48 |
| SIM Cards | 258 |
| Laptops | 4 |
| Bank Complaints Linked | 2,567 |
| Funds Frozen | ₹19 Lakh |
“We have identified a well-organized network operating across multiple states. This syndicate has been active for four to five years, using shell companies to channel the proceeds of crime,” stated DCP (Crime Branch) Aditya Gautam.
The police are currently analyzing recovered banking and KYC documents to identify further members of the network and trace the remaining hundreds of crores funneled abroad.
